Google’s gaming and streaming platform Stadia went live yesterday giving users the ability to stream games anywhere on TVs, computers, tablets and Android phones.
Google Stadia is another gaming platform that has recently joined the market not forgetting Apple Arcade from Apple which launched earlier this year too.
Unlike Apple’s Arcade which is offering unlimited access to over 100+ new games under one subscription, Google Stadia’s selling point lies in the ability for users to play marquee video games without the need of a game console or PC.
Most of the games will be residing on Google’s expansive array of data servers meaning all you need is a device supporting Android and good Internet which may not be the case for Uganda since our Internet connections aren’t that great.
As part of the monthly subscription fee, the service stores your games and connects you with other gamers in games that support multiplayer gaming.
The ice breaker on Google’s Stadia is the price.
The ice breaker on Google’s gaming platform is the price. It will go for $129 (Shs. 475,953) for the Premiere Edition starter package now available in the Google store which includes a Stadia controller (additional ones are $69), a Chromecast Ultra streaming device to connect to your TV and a three-month Stadia Pro subscription (subsequent months are $9.99).
Next year, Google is planning on offering a base membership package with 1080P high-def video and stereo sound without a subscription fee. You can buy and keep what games you prefer and play them on your PC or Pixel phone (other phones will be added in the future, Google says.)
In order for users to have a great experience on Google’s cloud based gaming platform, the tech giant recommends a broadband connection of at least 10 Megabits per second to achieve high-def games and stereo sound.
If you’re more interested in the 4K video and 5.1 surround experience then, Google recommends a 35 Mbps connection which is definitely a hard find when you look at Internet speeds in Uganda alone.
What games does Stadia have and is it worth the purchase?
Stadia will have 22 games available at outset, with additional games due by the end of the year. Some of the games that will available include; “Red Dead Redemption 2,” “Rage 2,” “Tomb Raider 2013,” “Final Fantasy XV,”and fighting games like “Mortal Kombat 11” and “Samurai Shodown.”
Other big game developer companies like Ubisoft already have three games available on the Stadia platform at launch such as – “Assassin’s Creed Odyssey,” “Just Dance 2020” and “Trials Rising” with more on the way, including “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint,” and “Tom Clancy’s The Division 2.”
Games cost $19.99 to $99.99 for special editions, such as “Red Dead Redemption 2 Ultimate Edition.” For a full list of games go to the Stadia site.
Stadia Pro subscribers also get free games monthly. At launch, you get “Destiny 2: The Collection.” You also get a discount of $10 or more on games you buy.
Final thoughts
The Google gaming platform is a great idea for those that don’t want to be limited by specific gaming devices like consoles but when you look at markets such as Africa, the pricing model and bandwidth requirements will push out many.
Let’s hope in the future, Google will even offer a much more lower base subscription with games that don’t require higher requirements for play so that those who can’t jump in right now can have a chance to try out its cloud based gaming platform.
Also read: Disney Plus Goes Live And Joins The Streaming Business
